Ministry outlines steps to avoid Covid-19 infection at workplace

Dr Panpimol Wipulakorn, director-general of the Department of Health, said that both government and private sectors must clean buildings, surrounding areas, and frequently scrub surfaces, such as floor, wall, door, handrail, switch, button, toilet, shower hose, and sink with disinfectants and make sure that buildings have a proper ventilation system.
“If workplaces have food stands or cafeteria, they also have to clean furniture and utensils with disinfectants as well,” she said.
“Also, they must provide hand sanitiser gels in common areas, such as information area, cafeteria, gym, entrance, or elevator hall. In addition, toilets must be clean and provide sufficient soap for washing hands.”
She said that staffs have to protect themselves by wearing mask, washing hands regularly, and avoid using hands to touch face, eyes, mouth, or nose if not necessary.
“Cleaning staff must wear mask and gloves while performing duties. If they have fever, cough, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, or panting, they must stop working and receive treatment at health facilities,” she said.
“Those who collect waste in the toilet must use steel tongs to collect wastes, seal the waste bag, and bring it to dump area. They have to wash hands after work.”
She added that building owners or entrepreneurs should provide knowledge on how to prevent and reduce the spread of Covid-19 virus to staff, such as how to observe infected suspects and how to take care of themselves.